The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ms Ifunanya Lucy Nwangene, who died after developing neurotoxic complications from a snakebite, and has announced fresh measures to curb preventable snakebite fatalities across Abuja.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, described the loss as devastating, stressing that deaths linked to snakebites are largely preventable with timely and appropriate medical care. She said the incident underscored the urgent need for stronger public awareness and rapid emergency response.
Health officials warned that snakebites remain a significant but under-reported public health emergency in Nigeria, where venomous species such as cobras, vipers and puff adders are common. Residents were advised to treat every snakebite as potentially venomous until assessed by medical professionals.
The FCTA urged residents to adopt preventive habits, including wearing protective footwear and clothing while farming or walking through tall grass, clearing debris around homes, sealing entry points, and using torches at night. Authorities also cautioned against attempting to handle snakes under any circumstance.
On first aid, the administration advised victims to remain calm, immobilise the affected limb below heart level, remove tight items, gently clean the wound and proceed immediately to a hospital with anti-venom. Practices such as cutting or sucking the wound, using tourniquets, applying ice or relying on herbal remedies were strongly discouraged.
According to the FCTA, anti-snake venoms are available across government-owned hospitals and public health facilities in Abuja. Polyvalent and multivalent anti-venoms are centrally stored at the Abuja Central Medical Stores and managed to ensure quality, cold-chain integrity and constant availability, while hospitals provide monitoring and supportive care, including ICU services where required.
Dr Fasawe said enforcement of approved clinical protocols would be intensified across public and private facilities, warning that negligence would attract sanctions. She added that emergency response capacity has been strengthened with improved road access and newly procured ambulances, urging residents to contact the FCT Emergency Medical System and Ambulance Services on 090157892931 or 090157892932 in the event of a snakebite.
